John Ernest Allen

A former boss of children’s homes will deny 32 sex charges brought against him by detectives probing allegations of historical child abuse in North Wales, a judge heard.

John Ernest Allen, 72, of Foxglove Avenue, Needham Market, Ipswich, appeared before Caernarfon Crown Court.

He was the head and founder of the Bryn Alyn Community which at one time ran a number of children’s homes in North Wales.

The charges include 22 indecent assaults. They are alleged to have taken place between 1968 and 1989 and involve 15 complainants aged between seven and 15.

Prosecutor Karen Mullin told Judge Merfyn Hughes QC during a 10-minute hearing: “Police are doing everything they can to progress the investigation.”

The pensioner’s barrister John Gibson said: “Mr Allen denies these allegations.”

Allen spoke only to confirm his name and that he could hear the judge from inside the glass-fronted dock.

Miss Mullin said a QC had conduct of the case for the Crown.

Judge Hughes remanded Allen in custody. The next hearing is due to be on October 28.

The judge told the lawyers: “It’s impossible for me to tell you when this case is going to be heard.”